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Undertake your own pilgrimage to one of the world’s great holy lands on this short but sweet uncovering of Israel & Palestine's highlights. Entrenched in the ancient but emphatically modern in outlook, nominally Jewish but with oodles of Muslim and Christian influence, this is one intriguing place to get your head around. Stroll the Old City’s age-old ramparts in Jerusalem, visit the spot Jesus entered the world in Bethlehem and see where some pretty steadfast Jews held out on Massada’s rugged outcrop. Break bread with Palestinians in Jerusalem’s Old City, walk Bethlehem's graffiti walls, go for a swim with a difference in the Dead Sea and get among the everyday hype of Tel Aviv. Young or old, fun-minded or enthralled by history, Israel has more than a little bit of something for everyone.

ITINERARY CHANGE IN 2019:
In 2019 this trip will change from 7 days to 8 days. The trip will no longer end on arrival in Tel Aviv. Instead we will spend the evening of Day 7 in Tel Aviv and the trip will end after breakfast on Day 8. This change was made based on feedback from our sales teams, and past travellers who would have preferred this additional night being included in the trip.

20% OFF All Trips

Our Black Friday sale is here. From now until November 28, take 20% OFF all 2019 trips.

20% OFF All Trips

Our Black Friday sale is here. From now until November 28, take 20% OFF all 2019 trips.

1. The offer of 20% OFF Intrepid Travel small group adventure trips is available in USD & CAD.
2. The offer applies to bookings made between November 20 - 28, 2018, and is for trips departing between January 1 – December 31, 2019 (blackout dates December 15 - January 15, 2019).
3. The offer is valid on all Intrepid Travel small group adventure trips, but excludes any private groups, external sell-ins, Short Breaks, Adventure Cruising and Polar. See the 'Important Notes' section of our 'Trip Notes' or contact our sales staff if you are unsure if your desired trip is excluded.
4. The trip is subject to availability and confirmation by Intrepid Travel at time of booking.
5. A deposit of $400 is required at the time of booking.
6. Full payment is required at least 56 days prior to travel. If booking and traveling with less than 56 days to go until departure, full payment is needed at the time of booking.
7. There will be no extensions to the booking, travel or payment periods.
8. The offer can only be applied to new bookings. Under no circumstances will the discounts be applied to existing bookings.
9. The offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other offers.
10. The offer cannot be applied to airfares, trip kitties, travel insurance, extra accommodation, single supplements, visas, etc.
11. Intrepid Travel's Booking Conditions will also apply to the trip booked and it is imperative that you examine those conditions before booking with Intrepid Travel. The most up-to-date Booking Conditions are accessible at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions.
12. As outlined in the Intrepid Travel Booking Conditions, travel insurance is compulsory for all Intrepid Travel travelers and should be taken out prior to or at the time of booking. See the Booking Conditions for more details.
13. Trip prices and itineraries are subject to change at any time, including after booking. If there is a significant price change to a trip that is outside the control of Intrepid Travel (i.e. a significant increase in third party service provider costs), travelers may need to be re-invoiced at the new price. Promotions and discounts will still apply to the new price.
14. Some trips must meet minimum number requirements prior to confirmation so please check at time of booking.

Why you'll love this trip

Discover for yourself famed religious towns of Jericho, Bethlehem and Nazareth, and find out about daily life in the legendary city of Jerusalem as you chat with locals in the Old City on the way to the Western Wall

Take a stroll through West Jerusalem and get another perspective of modern life from a local Israeli guide, finishing at the lively Machane Yehuda Market.

Look down on one of the world’s most amazing city skyline with views across Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.

Experience the contrasts between the nightlife of modern, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, and the reverential atmosphere of Jerusalem.

View the spectacular Rosh Hanikra caves located at the farthest point north on Israel’s Mediterranean coastline.

Sleep in a beautiful and peaceful convent established by French nuns in the mid 19th century.

Is this trip right for you?

As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar in this region. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, we start some days very early (e.g. at 5am). Though we try to make things as comfortable for you as possible, please be prepared for these conditions.

It’s not all hot desert days in Israel, as the winter months (December through to February) can be quite cold. Temperatures in northern parts of the country can drop to freezing overnight. Snowfall around these areas is also common. Be sure to pack clothes that will prepare you for varying temperatures especially during these months.

Sites can get congested during peak travel periods with coaches of large pilgrim groups. We do our best to plan our visits around these times but sometimes it is unavoidable. There may be delays, queue's and private services that prevent us from entering the site. Your trip leader will manage this as best as they can on the day.

We recommend packing light and smart, but just in case you're tempted to bring a big, heavy bag, remember you’ll have to carry it to and from hotels, bus stops, train stations etc.

Some of the sites we visit involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides, where there is often little or no shade. Comfortable walking shoes and a hat will make it easier to explore the sights.

Known as 'baksheesh' in the Middle East, tipping is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. If you are satisfied with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate and always appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Don’t be taken back if this tipping culture is even more apparent here.

Israel & The Palestinian Territories is by no means a cheap destination and you should budget accordingly. The good news is that your expert local leader is on hand to help you uncover the best deals!

Welcome to Israel and Jerusalem, a city steeped in spirituality and legend; a rich tapestry of the many cultures, religions and nationalities that call it home, be they Palestinian Muslims & Christians, Sephardic Jews, Ashkenazi Jews, Armenian Christians, Ethiopian Copts or Greek Orthodox monks. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it’ll take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, maybe arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. In you arrive with some free time, perhaps drop by the Israel Museum and browse its superb collection of art and history. Get a feel for Israel’s hub of holiness this evening while exploring the Old City, taking in the one of the great urban skylines – the serried buildings and ancient ramparts of the Old City, the churches adorning the Mount of Olives and the iconic gold of the Dome of the Rock. Perhaps head up the walled ramparts for impressive panoramas over the surrounding area.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Jerusalem - Old City Ramparts - USD5

Jerusalem - Israel Museum - USD12

Meals Included

We will explore the Old City this morning on foot. We will start with the Courtyard of the Dome and the Wailing Wall – the remains of the Temple Mount, which acts as an outdoor synagogue, where written prayers are slid into the cracks between stones. Then continue along the Via Dolorosa starting at St. Stephen’s Gate, passing the crusader church of St. Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. Now located in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, this pool was mentioned in the Gospel of John and associated with healing. Continue along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) – the “way of sorrows” which follows Jesus’ path to crucifixion – and stop by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, died, buried, and rose again. Sip tea, sample fresh local bread and then walk through the Christian Quarter up to Jaffa Gate for a lunch break.

That afternoon, get another perspective on modern day life in Jerusalem with a local Israeli guide. Your walking tour of West Jerusalem will see you stroll through Yemin Moshe; a historic neighborhood of old stone buildings built in response to overcrowding within the Old City. Check out the colourful, artistic hub of ‘Hamiffal’ (The Factory ). This abandoned old building was turned into a public art space by a local artists co-operative. While here you'll learn about the artists in residence program. Move on to the Muslim Graveyard, Mamilla Pool, The Burial Caves of Independence Park, and then a quick brief on the city center.
The tour will finish up at Agripas Street, at the entrance of the Machane Yehuda Market. We recommend grabbing a beer in one of the many laneway bars to watch the market come to life in the evening, or go for a wander to check out the amazing graffiti popping up on shop shutters.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City

West Jerusalem Walking Tour with Israeli guide

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

The Dome of the Rock/Al-Aqsa Mosque is open from 7:30-10:30am Sundays through Thursdays, and again for an hour in the afternoon. In order to beat tourist traffic, our guides usually like to go there first thing in the morning.
The Western Wall area is open everyday. However please note that on Friday evenings and Saturdays, tourists are not allowed to take any photos.

Start the day off with a panoramic view of the city. Drive out to the Mount of Olives that looks over Jerusalem’s Old City and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, most famous as the place where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before Jesus' crucifixion. See the Church of All Nations (also known as the Basilica of the Agony), which holds inside a section of bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest.

Drive the short distance out to Bethlehem and take a Graffiti walking tour along the wall. Graffiti has filled the walls in Bethlehem by many artists over the years, including British Artist; Banksy. Hear the personal stories behind some of the more prominent pieces. The tour takes you past one of the largest refugee camps in the West Bank and previous conflict hot spots. Continue on to Manger square to sample Bethlehem's famous Falafel. Then visit the Church of the Nativity, marking the spot of the stable where Mary is said to have given birth to Jesus.

Head back to Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem for a sobering and moving visit to Israel’s memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The facility includes a research facility, art gallery, education department, archive, and numerous moving memorials.

After a fascinating day, retire to your Jerusalem hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field

Bethlehem - Grafitti Walking Tour

Jewish Holocaust Memorial and Israeli Museum

Jerusalem - Mount of Olives

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

While some travellers would like more time at this site, others would prefer less. Our local leaders are not permitted to guide in this museum so this visit remains unguided. However you are free to spend as much or as little time as you would like at the Museum and make your own way back to the hotel.

This morning drive out to the spectacular cliff-top fortress of Masada. On the way we stop at the 6th century cliff-side Monastery of St. George of Koziba in the desert (Deir El Qelt) and see the massive church built into the mountains. In Masada you will take a cable car to the fortress built by King Herod around 35BC. This UNESCO site is very important to the Jewish people, a symbol of their exile from the Holy Land and of bravery and self-sacrifice. The story goes that here a Jewish sect called the Zealots held out against the Roman army in AD66. Rather than surrender, they either fought to the death or committed suicide, every last man, woman and child. Then, you’d better have brought your swim gear as you can wash of the dust from exploring with a dip like no other. Drive around 30 minutes to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level). This isn’t actually a sea but a super-salty lake (dead because of the lack of life in it) where the density of the water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. Spend some time relaxing here and get some classic floating pictures. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties and so why not cover yourself from head to toe for a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Return to Jerusalem for the evening.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Dead Sea - Dead Sea visit

Masada - Masada visit

Meals Included

Travel to the western shores of the Sea of Galilee today and Tiberias – established all the way back in AD20. Swing by Hisham’s Palace in Jericho on the way. The old hunting lodge has one of the most beautiful and elaborately decorated mosaic floors in the world.
Continue on via the Jordan Valley and visit the ancient fishing village of Capernaum – see the ruins of this old town, the site of two ancient synagogues and a church said to have been the home of Saint Peter. You’ll pass by Tabgha – this is where the Bible says Jesus performed the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, one of the only miracles that’s in all the gospels. Then head up to Safad (Tsfat), one of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities. The city, at over 900 metres above sea level, is Israel’s highest city and is known as the centre of Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism. It’s a beautiful setting, surrounded by pine forest, and has become a haven for both artists and those seeking spiritual enlightenment. You’ll continue on to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, for the evening.

Here we have the unique opportunity stay in a simple but beautiful convent established by nuns who arrived from France in the mid 19th century.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Tiberias - Sea of Galilee visit

Jericho - Hisham's Palace

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Nazareth is small city with limited accommodation facilities, whilst we endeavour to place all our groups in the Sisters of Nazareth Convent, due to availability this is not always possible. Where we cannot confirm this hotel / guesthouse your accommodation will be of equal or better standard. If you would like to confirm in advance which hotel is available for your tour please check with your booking agent 30 days prior to departure.

Leave early this morning and drive to the ancient crusader port of Acre (Akko in Hebrew) approximately 45 minutes. Here you’ll visit the vast complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John (Knights Hospitaller), excavated to uncover rooms including a large hall, a dungeon, a dining room and the crypt of an ancient Gothic church. You will also see the secret tunnel of their rivals, the Knights Templar – an underground passage between their fortresses.
Continue on to Rosh Hanikra where we take a cable car up the cliff face to view the spectacular grottoes. These incredible caves are located at the farthest point north on Israel’s Mediterranean coastline, on the border of Lebanon where the sea meets the cliffs.
On the way back to Nazareth make a stop at the Church of the Annunciation. This is the site of where Mary received the news of the Immaculate Conception, along with the well where she drew water every day. You will overnight in Nazareth.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Akko - Templar's Tunnel visit

Rosh Hanikra - Cable Car & Grottoes

Nazareth - Church of Annuniciation - Mary's Well

Meals Included

After breakfast, journey to Tel Aviv via the coast and Caesarea (approximately 1 hour), which served as the capital of Israel during the Roman and Byzantine eras. This was once a great port town built by King Herod around 25BC, complete with a theatre, amphitheatre, hippodrome, palace, Roman temple and an extensive network of aqueducts, along with an artificial harbour. The city was eventually abandoned and lost under the desert sands, but thanks to archaeological excavations since the 1950s, its splendour is on show once again.
Continue through Haifa (approximately 20 minutes) where you’ll see the lush and immaculate Bahaii Gardens on Mount Carmel Mountains (a memorial and shrine to the Bahai faith) and look out across the Mediterranean Sea.
Drop by the ancient port city of Jaffa (approximately 1 hour) before arriving in Tel Aviv, where this trip ends on arrival at around 4pm.
Please ensure that you allow plenty of time for delays/traffic if you plan on catching a flight on this day.
Tel Aviv is a modern cosmopolitan city, a true 'city that doesn’t stop'. With its lively cafe culture, relaxed Mediterranean beach scene, and renowned nightlife, Tel Aviv is a great place to continue your stay. We can help you book accommodation here (subject to availability). Perhaps gather together you fellow travellers and take advantage of the excellent food and nightlife with a final celebratory dinner or drink as this Israel and Palestine adventure comes to an end.

Included Activities

Caesarea - Roman Amphitheatre & Aqueduct

Haifa - Baha'i Gardens

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Due to strict security measures, we recommend that you allow 3 hours minimum to get through airport security before your flight departure.

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

Minibus

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Included activities

Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City

West Jerusalem Walking Tour with Israeli guide

Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field

Bethlehem - Grafitti Walking Tour

Jewish Holocaust Memorial and Israeli Museum

Jerusalem - Mount of Olives

Dead Sea - Dead Sea visit

Masada - Masada visit

Tiberias - Sea of Galilee visit

Jericho - Hisham's Palace

Akko - Templar's Tunnel visit

Rosh Hanikra - Cable Car & Grottoes

Nazareth - Church of Annuniciation - Mary's Well

Caesarea - Roman Amphitheatre & Aqueduct

Haifa - Baha'i Gardens

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

Minibus

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Included activities

Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City

West Jerusalem Walking Tour with Israeli guide

Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field

Bethlehem - Grafitti Walking Tour

Jewish Holocaust Memorial and Israeli Museum

Jerusalem - Mount of Olives

Dead Sea - Dead Sea visit

Masada - Masada visit

Tiberias - Sea of Galilee visit

Jericho - Hisham's Palace

Akko - Templar's Tunnel visit

Rosh Hanikra - Cable Car & Grottoes

Nazareth - Church of Annuniciation - Mary's Well

Caesarea - Roman Amphitheatre & Aqueduct

Haifa - Baha'i Gardens

Dates & availability

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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Discover Israel & the Palestinian Territories trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Important notes

1. This trip finishes on arrival into Tel Aviv at 5pm on Day 7. Please ensure that you allow plenty of time for delays/traffic if you plan on catching a flight on this day.

2. A Single Supplement is available on this trip. Please ask your booking agent for more information.

3. Following recent safety incidents we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Israel (particularly within the West Bank) before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

4. 2019 TRIP CHANGE: In 2019 this trip will be 8 days and will include the last nights accommodation in Tel Aviv. All activities remain unchanged.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.